BMW: U.S. fuel economy plan is 'not feasible'

Posted Tue Jul 1 2008 2:21 AM by Nelson Ireson

Tough new CAFE standards in the U.S. had a lukewarm reception when they were announced in April, with most carmakers reluctantly stating they would rise to the challenge. BMW has now come out against the current program, asking the government to develop an alternative system of requirements, because it will not be able to comply with the CAFE standards as they stand.

The proposed CAFE standards announced in April set industry average targets of 35.7mpg for cars and 28.6mpg for SUVs and pickup trucks by 2015. However, since the required economy figures for each manufacturer are calculated on the basis of the car's 'footprint', or the area enclosed by its wheels.

That means BMW would have to meet a fleet-wide fuel economy figure of 37.7mpg by 2015, reports Automotive News. Between now and the final deadline, there will be a number of intermediate milestones to be met. BMW's official comments on the CAFE standards state that as it stands, compliance will not be feasible. Comments from more automakers are expected soon, with the window for comments closing July 1.

Reader Comments

Tue Jul 1 2008 4:13 AM
bambam says

I am pretty sure it only takes BMW a few years to build a car and fit that requirement.
Its not like they are Toyota or Lexus which requires another five years after a concept is shown.
one down and many more to go
Tue Jul 1 2008 10:59 AM
Pebbles says

I have been wondering about this: even hybrids do not average 35mpg .. except for like the Prius & Civic. They would never even out the SUVs & other & cylinders in a car's lineup.
Tue Jul 1 2008 11:15 AM
Renton says

If BMW says the goal is unobtainable, then it most likely is.

The new regulations are based on emotions and political pandering... not science and engineering.

Welcome to the Legislative branch of the US Government.

Hold on to your fast cars, they will be going up in value, as they won't be making them any more.

It is amazing how the stroke of a pen can set back the auto industry. While I believe the US auto manufacturers created their mess by not building efficient cars for the last 20 years, this regulation has really screwed things up for us as consumers.
Tue Jul 1 2008 11:25 AM
Jim says

BMW is facing similar requirements in Europe though the measurement mechanism is different as the Europeans are focusing on carbon produced. There the German automakers are screaming we can't do it also.

The issue for BMW and the like is that they will need to totally revamp the concept of their product and brand image, an extremely risky endeavor It would not be too surprising to find that in 2050 there is a whole new group of brands who represent the sport-luxury. BMW's whining will fall on deaf ears and they'll be forced to adapt or merge with a company that has a broader range of products.

Regarding the 35mpg requirement, remember that the measurement used is the pre-2008 formula for establishing EPA gas mileage, meaning a fleet average of 35mpg in reality is a real world fleet average of about 27-29 mpg.
Tue Jul 1 2008 6:38 PM
CarFan says

I do not think this is a set back at all. I do agree that the government has its own "methods" for coming up with these target numbers and I somewhat support this. The reason is that automakers for years have provided their "biased" studies on how difficult it is to meet these standards (key word here being "biased"). I think OEMs can do a lot better then what they claim. I really find it hard to believe that small privateers like Tesla can produce such vehicles on such small budgets and the giant OEMs can not. This is BS.

I for one am not excited about electrical (and other types) cars because they lack the noise and feel of present cars, but I'm sure with the effort of brands such as Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, MB, Lamborghini that the car of the near future will be as exciting as current models yet consume less gas. It will take some getting used to.

So, I expect small BMW to keep whinning and complaining. That's what they've done for years. Generally, they don't compete if the rules are not in their favor and they whine until someone gives in. So, BMW join the global trend or get the heck out of the way.
Tue Jul 1 2008 7:02 PM
Jonathon Nierengarten says

The legislative branch is basically stating that as it stands, only Japan will supply bread and butter cars to the Americans. American companies made great rear drive sedans and muscle cars, as they do now. However CAFE has them making crap that the public doesn't want from them, killing their sales. The American car companies need to focus on what they do well, and tell CAFE standards to scram. If they sell less volume, so be it. Let the Japanese dominate the market for toyish cars with silly looks and amazing gas mileage. I'll still ride my bike to work and drive my v8 on weekends.
Tue Jul 1 2008 10:10 PM
Renton says

CarFan I read your post twice. You sir or madame , are no car fan.

Electric Ferrari......sure maybe someday, but it is certainly not something to wish for.

BMW...small? Complaining? All the way to No. 1 in the for luxury vehicles. BMW is a leader not a follower.

It is not that electric cars are not fast or good, it is that battery tech is the same as it was 15-20 years ago. That is the problem.

I give up.
Wed Jul 16 2008 6:13 PM
Beefcake says

Bmw 118d gets 58 mpg, they can surely make 35 mpg avg across the fleet.

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/03/bmw-118d-wins-w.html

MotorAuthority